Elon Musk’s Starlink has begun restricting internet access for some users in South Africa as a licensing dispute continues to delay the satellite internet company’s official launch.
The company has introduced new travel registration requirements for customers using Starlink outside the country where their accounts were registered.
The move could affect South Africans who purchased Starlink equipment abroad and used international roaming plans to access the internet at home.
According to Business Insider Africa, the restrictions come as South African authorities consider changes to telecommunications regulations that could allow Starlink to enter the market.
However, the company remains unlicensed to operate officially in the country.
Starlink users face new internet restrictions
Some South African Starlink customers began reporting service interruptions on October 23.
According to South African technology publication MyBroadband, affected users received notifications requiring them to register their international travel.
The message informed customers that they were using Starlink outside their registered account country.
Users were then instructed to complete travel registration to restore service.
Starlink’s rules require customers using international roaming to register their travel, except for certain enterprise accounts.
The requirement could create difficulties for South Africans who registered accounts in other countries but use the service permanently in South Africa.
Starlink’s roaming plans are primarily intended for temporary international travel.
As a result, customers relying on these plans for long-term internet access could face further restrictions.
Why is Starlink unavailable in South Africa?
Starlink has not officially launched in South Africa because of telecommunications licensing requirements.
One major obstacle involves the country’s economic empowerment regulations.
Under the existing framework, certain telecommunications licence holders must meet a 30 percent ownership requirement involving historically disadvantaged groups.
However, Starlink’s parent company, SpaceX, has sought an alternative arrangement.
Rather than transferring ownership in its local business, the company wants to meet empowerment objectives through investment commitments.
These could include funding digital infrastructure, developing technical skills and supporting other economic initiatives.
The disagreement has contributed to delays in Starlink’s entry into the South African market.
South African government considers regulatory changes
South Africa’s government has signalled that it is open to alternative arrangements for international telecommunications companies.
Communications Minister Solly Malatsi has supported proposals allowing operators to meet empowerment requirements through investment programmes.
Such programmes could provide an alternative to direct local ownership.
The approach could help attract foreign investment into South Africa’s telecommunications sector.
However, government support does not automatically grant Starlink permission to operate.
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa, known as ICASA, remains responsible for telecommunications licensing.
According to Business Insider Africa, changes to the relevant legal framework would be necessary before the proposed alternative arrangements could take effect.
Until then, existing licensing requirements remain in place.
South Africans continue using Starlink despite restrictions
Despite the absence of an official launch, Starlink has attracted interest from South African internet users.
Some residents have used imported satellite equipment since early 2023.
These customers typically register their accounts in countries where Starlink is authorised and then access the service through international roaming.
However, the new travel registration requirements could make this arrangement more difficult.
According to MyBroadband, Starlink recorded 2,232 internet speed tests in South Africa during August 2026.
The figures suggest that some users continued accessing the satellite service despite the regulatory uncertainty.
However, the number of speed tests does not establish how many active Starlink subscribers are operating in the country.
What happens next for Starlink in South Africa?
Starlink’s future in South Africa will depend partly on whether the government changes its telecommunications regulations.
The proposed investment-based approach could offer a route for international satellite internet providers to enter the market.
However, any changes would still need to satisfy the country’s legal and regulatory requirements.
Meanwhile, South Africans using international roaming accounts may continue facing restrictions.
The situation highlights the challenges facing satellite internet providers seeking to expand into markets with established licensing and ownership rules.
For now, Starlink remains unavailable through an officially authorised South African service, while discussions over its potential entry continue.